Mark by John Teague, ThD and Joseph F. Roberts, ThD, PhD - HTML preview

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2. involving or characterized by prolepsis, the anticipatory use of arguments, adjectives, etc.:

The proleptic idiom “to be dead meat” uses a present-tense description to suggest one’s future doom.

3. anticipatory; foreshadowing:

The proleptic detail of the borrowed scythe clearly reveals that the

character’s life on stage will be of short duration.

https://www.dictionary.com/browse/proleptic

Setting: On the day after Jesus' triumphal entry, when they had departed from their place of residence in Bethany, Jesus became hungry and went to a fig tree in leaf looking for fruit but found none. (11:12-13) While Jesus' disciples were listening, He pronounced a curse upon the fig tree that no one would ever eat from it again. (11:14) The Cleansing of the Temple. (11:15-17)

Setting: Jesus and His disciples returned to Jerusalem from Bethany. (11:15a) Jesus entered the temple and began to cast out those who were defiling the temple with their marketing. (11:15b-16) Jesus proclaimed from Scripture (Isa. 56:7; Zech 14:16-21; Jer. 7:11) that the temple was to be a place for all people to pray, but those present had made it a den of thieves. (11:17)

Proleptic Rejection of the Messiah: The Plot to Kill Jesus. (11:18-19) When the religious leaders (chief priests and scribes) heard Jesus' condemnation of those in the temple, they began to consider how they could destroy Him because they were afraid of Him and the people's response to Him. (11:18) Whenever evening came, Jesus and His disciples would go out of the city. (11:19) The Withered Fig Tree. (11:20-26)

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Setting: On the next morning when Jesus and His disciples were passing by the fig tree, they saw that it had withered, and Peter pointed it out to Jesus. (11:20-21) Jesus taught the disciples about the need for them to pray with confidence in God's faithfulness to answer their prayer, and with an attitude of forgiveness toward those who have done anything against them. (11:22-26) Jesus urged the disciples to trust God (who is faithful). (11:22) Jesus urges the disciples to pray with confidence in God's faithfulness to be able to answer prayer. (11:23-24) Jesus also urges the disciples to forgive those whom they have anything against before asking God to work His kingdom promises. (11:25-26)

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Chapter Twelve

Confrontations with Religious Leaders. (11:27–12:44) Jesus is challenged over authority and replies: As Jesus is constantly challenged by the religious leaders as to His authority, He refuses to directly respond (due to their intention to do evil), but indirectly presents Himself as the Father's Son in fulfillment of a proper understanding of Scripture (unlike that of the religious leaders), and then warns the people to not be like the scribes in their hypocritical evil, but like a poor widow who gives out of her poverty to the Lord. (11:27-12:44)

Mark 11:27 And they come again to Jerusalem: and as he was walking in the

temple, there come to him the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders,

Mark 11:28 And say unto him, By what authority doest thou these things? and who

gave thee this authority to do these things?

Mark 11:29 And Jesus answered and said unto them, I will also ask of you one

question, and answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things.

Mark 11:30 The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? answer me.

Mark 11:31 And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From

heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him?

Mark 11:32 But if we shall say, Of men; they feared the people: for all men counted

John, that he was a prophet indeed.

Mark 11:33 And they answered and said unto Jesus, We cannot tell. And Jesus

answering saith unto them, Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.

Mark 12:1 And he began to speak unto them by parables. A certain man planted a

vineyard, and set an hedge about it, and digged a place for the winefat, and built a

tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country.

Mark 12:2 And at the season he sent to the husbandmen a servant, that he might

receive from the husbandmen of the fruit of the vineyard.

Mark 12:3 And they caught him, and beat him, and sent him away empty.

Mark 12:4 And again he sent unto them another servant; and at him they cast

stones, and wounded him in the head, and sent him away shamefully handled.

Mark 12:5 And again he sent another; and him they killed, and many others;

beating some, and killing some.

Mark 12:6 Having yet therefore one son, his wellbeloved, he sent him also last unto

them, saying, They will reverence my son.

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Mark 12:7 But those husbandmen said among themselves, This is the heir; come,

let us kill him, and the inheritance shall be ours.

Mark 12:8 And they took him, and killed him, and cast him out of the vineyard.

Mark 12:9 What shall therefore the lord of the vineyard do? he will come and

destroy the husbandmen, and will give the vineyard unto others.

Mark 12:10 And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders

rejected is become the head of the corner:

Mark 12:11 This was the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?

Mark 12:12 And they sought to lay hold on him, but feared the people: for they

knew that he had spoken the parable against them: and they left him, and went their

way.

Mark 12:13 And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians,

to catch him in his words.

Mark 12:14 And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that

thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but

teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?

Mark 12:15 Shall we give, or shall we not give? But he, knowing their hypocrisy,

said unto them, Why tempt ye me? bring me a penny, that I may see it.

Mark 12:16 And they brought it. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and

superscription? And they said unto him, Caesar's.

Mark 12:17 And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that

are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him.

Mark 12:18 Then come unto him the Sadducees, which say there is no resurrection;

and they asked him, saying,

Mark 12:19 Master, Moses wrote unto us, If a man's brother die, and leave his wife

behind him, and leave no children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise

up seed unto his brother.

Mark 12:20 Now there were seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and dying left

no seed.

Mark 12:21 And the second took her, and died, neither left he any seed: and the

third likewise.

Mark 12:22 And the seven had her, and left no seed: last of all the woman died also.

Mark 12:23 In the resurrection therefore, when they shall rise, whose wife shall

she be of them? for the seven had her to wife.

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Mark 12:24 And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because

ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?

Mark 12:25 For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are

given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven.

Mark 12:26 And as touching the dead, that they rise: have ye not read in the book

of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him, saying, I am the God of Abraham,

and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?

Mark 12:27 He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living: ye therefore

do greatly err.

Mark 12:28 And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning

together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the

first commandment of all?

Mark 12:29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear,

O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:

Mark 12:30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all

thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first

commandment.

Mark 12:31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as

thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

Mark 12:32 And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth:

for there is one God; and there is none other but he:

Mark 12:33 And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and

with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is

more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.

Mark 12:34 And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him,

Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any

question.

Mark 12:35 And Jesus answered and said, while he taught in the temple, How say

the scribes that Christ is the Son of David?

Mark 12:36 For David himself said by the Holy Ghost, The LORD said to my Lord,

Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool.

Mark 12:37 David therefore himself calleth him Lord; and whence is he then his

son? And the common people heard him gladly.

Beware of the Scribes

Mark 12:38 And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which

love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces,

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Mark 12:39 And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at

feasts:

Mark 12:40 Which devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayers:

these shall receive greater damnation.

The Widow's Offering

Mark 12:41 And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast

money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.

Mark 12:42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites,

which make a farthing.

Mark 12:43 And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say

unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into

the treasury:

Mark 12:44 For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast

in all that she had, even all her living.

The Authority of Jesus Questioned At The Temple. (11:27-33) Setting: When Jesus and His disciples entered the temple in Jerusalem, the religious leaders (chief priests, scribes, and elders) came and began to inquire and question about the authority by which He does the things that He does. (11:27-28) Before Jesus answered their question, He asked the leaders to tell Him whether John the Baptist's baptism was from heaven's authority or from men's. (11:29-30) When the leaders decided (for reasons of fear) to indirectly answer the question by telling Jesus that they did not know about the source of John's authority, He refused to directly tell them of the source of His authority. (11:31-33)

The Parable of the Wicked Tenants. (12:1-12)

Jesus then cryptically revealed His authority as being form the Father in Heaven to the religious leaders through the parable of the vineyard owner and the vine-growers who rebelled against the owner's servants and murdered His son. Also involved in the revelation is the Psalm 118:22-23. (12:1-11) The leaders sought (in character) to destroy Him but were hindered by their fear of the people. (12:12)

Psa 118:22 The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the

corner.

Psa 118:23 This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.

Paying Taxes to Caesar. (12:13-17)

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Setting: On the same day the religious leaders sent some of the Pharisees and the Herodians to Jesus to trap Him in a statement. (12:13) Couching their question in an atmosphere of requiring Jesus to directly face the question they were asking of Him, they asked Him if it was lawful or not to pay a poll tax to Caesar. (12:14-15a) Jesus knew that they were not truly seeking an answer and asked them as to why they were testing Him. (12:15b-c) When they brought Jesus a denarius, at His request, Jesus noted Caesar's inscription and exhorted them to give to Caesar those things which bare His image, and to God those things which bare His image (oneself). (12:15-17a) The people were amazed at Jesus' response to the question. (12:17b) Marriage at the Resurrection. (12:18-27)

Setting: Some of the Sadducees (who did not believe in the resurrection) came to Jesus and began to question the existence of the resurrection through a hypothetical case of a woman who had been part of seven marriages (in accordance with Moses' commands in Deuteronomy 25:5), and then died to be "resurrected" along with her seven

"husbands". (12:18-23)

The response of Jesus to the Sadducees.

Jesus suggested that the Sadducees were mistaken about the resurrection because they neither understood the Scriptures nor the power of God. (12:24) Jesus explained that they did not understand the Scriptures concerning levirate marriage because these marriages are not binding in heaven since the resurrected are like angels who do not marry; but find life in communion with God. (12:25) Jesus then explained the (Mosaic) Scriptures and the power of God through recounting that there must be a resurrection for God to fulfill His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob

{the patriarchs. (12:26-27)

The Greatest Commandment. (12:28-34)

Setting: One of the scribes who heard Jesus' good response to the Sadducees asked Jesus asked Jesus out of a sincere heart without malice which commandment was the most important of all. (12:28) Jesus began His response to the scribe by affirming the uniqueness of YHWH as the One God in all of life (Deuteronomy 6:4-9), and then proclaimed the moral law--to fully Love God--(and then its natural expression to fully love men) as the greatest commandment of the Law. (12:29-31) The scribe agreed with Jesus' answer and the scribe then identified love as greater than ceremonial sacrifices. (12:32-33) When Jesus saw the scribe’s good response, He stimulated the scribes search by proclaiming that he was not far from the Kingdom of God. (12:34a) After Jesus' response with the scribe, no one dared to ask Him any more questions.

(12:34b)

Deu 6:4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:

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Deu 6:5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all

thy soul, and with all thy might.

Deu 6:6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:

Deu 6:7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of

them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when

thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

Deu 6:8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as

frontlets between thine eyes.

Deu 6:9 And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.

Whose Son is the Christ? (12:35-37a) To the crowd's delight Jesus explained through the use of Psalm 110 that Jesus must not only be the "son" of David (as the scribes affirmed), but must also be divine because He is also David's Lord. (12:35-37) Setting: When no one dared to ask Jesus any more questions, He responded to the crowd’s initial concern about His authority by asking them a question. (12:35a) The question was Jesus’ way of confronting the simple understanding of the scribes that Messiah was (only) David's son, since David himself identified Messiah as His Lord.

(12:35-37) Jesus asked what the scribes meant when they identified Messiah with the son of David. (12:35b) Jesus presented David's concept of his son as being his Lord when he wrote in Psalm 110 about the enthronement of Messiah. (12:36) Jesus therefore asked about the sense in which Messiah was David's son since he called Him Lord. (12:37a)

The Hypocrisy of the Religious Leaders. (12:37b-44) Condemnation of Hypocrisy. (12:37b-40) The crowd enjoyed listening to Jesus 12:37b Jesus warned the people to beware of the scribes who look pious, respected, and honored because they will receive greater judgment for their evil toward the weak (widows), and their hypocrisy. (12:38-40)

Commendation of the Widow’s Sincerity. (12:41-44) Jesus sat in the Temple watching how the people cast money into the treasury. Many of the rich cast in much.

(12:41) Jesus then honored a poor widow who unlike all the rest in the temple who were giving out of their surplus, sacrificially gave all that she owned out of her poverty.

(12:42-44)

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Chapter Thirteen

The Judgment of the Nation in Prophecy. In a conversation with His disciples as they left the temple and sat across from the temple on the Mount of Olives Jesus explained that the temple would be destroyed and the consummation of God's program would be signaled by the ascension of one who would make an abomination in the temple, but no one knows when the final events will begin; therefore, the disciples should be spiritually alert so that they will not be found spiritually asleep by the Lord upon His return. (13:1-37)

Mark 13:1 And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him,

Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here!

Mark 13:2 And Jesus answering said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings?

there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.

Signs of the Close of the Age

Mark 13:3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter

and James and John and Andrew asked him privately,

Mark 13:4 Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all

these things shall be fulfilled?

Mark 13:5 And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive

you:

Mark 13:6 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive

many.

Mark 13:7 And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled:

for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet.

Mark 13:8 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and

there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles:

these are the beginnings of sorrows.

Mark 13:9 But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils;

and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and

kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.

Mark 13:10 And the gospel must first be published among all nations.

Mark 13:11 But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought

beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be

given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.

Mark 13:12 Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the

son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put

to death.

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Mark 13:13 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall

endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

Mark 13:14 But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by

Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,)

then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:

Mark 13:15 And let him that is on the housetop not go down into the house, neither

enter therein, to take any thing out of his house:

Mark 13:16 And let him that is in the field not turn back again for to take up his

garment.

Mark 13:17 But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those

days!

Mark 13:18 And pray ye that your flight be not in the winter.

Mark 13:19 For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the

beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be.

Mark 13:20 And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be

saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.

Mark 13:21 And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is

there; believe him not:

Mark 13:22 For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs

and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.

Mark 13:23 But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.

Mark 13:24 But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and

the moon shall not give her light,

Mark 13:25 And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven

shall be shaken.

Mark 13:26 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great

power and glory.

Mark 13:27 And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect

from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of

heaven.

Mark 13:28 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and

putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near:

Mark 13:29 So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know

that it is nigh, even at the doors.

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Mark 13:30 Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these

things be done.

Mark 13:31 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.

Mark 13:32 But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels

which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.

Mark 13:33 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.

Mark 13:34 For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house,

and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the

porter to watch.

Mark 13:35 Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house

cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:

Mark 13:36 Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.

Mark 13:37 And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.

The Setting in the Temple. (13:1-2)

Setting: As Jesus was going out of the temple one of His disciples remarked about the splendor of the temple (beautiful stones, wonderful buildings!) (13:1) Jesus responded by teaching his disciples concerning future judgment noting that these great buildings will be destroyed so that not one stone will be left upon another. (13:2) The Discourse on the Mount of Olives. (13:3-37)

Signs of the End of the Age. (13:3-31) As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple Peter, James, John, and Andrew were questioning Him privately for more information about His prediction: (13:3-4)

The First Question – The Time: When will these things (tau'ta; plural emphasizing the destruction of the temple and other events) be. Jesus teaches His disciples that even though the appearance of one in the temple who makes an abomination is a sign that marks the coming of the Lord, that no one knows when this entire event known as the Day of the Lord will begin; therefore, all believers should be watchful so that they are not found spiritually ineffective when the Lord returns. (13:4a) The Second Question – The Sign: What will be the sign when all these things (tau'ta...pavnta) are going to be fulfilled (suntelei'sqai ; cf. Zechariah 14). (13:4b) Jesus warns His disciples to not be mislead that the end has come by the many difficulties which will come but explains that the sign of the end will be when the one shows up in the temple who make an abomination, because he will make a great desolation; thus, all should then flee and not be deceived. (13:5-27) 88

Negatively - False Signs: Jesus warns His disciples to not be misled that the end has come by the many difficulties which will come (false Messiahs, wars, and natural disasters, and even suffering). (13:5-13) Jesus warns the disciples not to be misled by those who will mislead many others by coming and calling themselves Messiah.

(13:5-6) Jesus urges His disciples not to be frightened by wars and natural disasters which will arise because they are not the end but precede the end as necessary birth pangs. (13:7-8) Jesus exhorts the disciples to be prepared for suffering by being on guard and being watchful as they present God's message which must first be preached to all nations. Persecution will come through the Jews, Gentiles, and family as they present God's message worldwide, but God will enable them, and they are to persevere (remain loyal to Christ) to the end at which time they will experience God's ultimate deliverance. (13:9-13)

Positively - Tribulation and Advent: Jesus explains that the sign of the end will be when the one shows up in the temple who make an abomination, because he will make a great desolation; thus, all should flee Jerusalem, and not be deceived by the wonders of false Messiahs and prophets because the Lord's return will be in full vision resulting in the gathering of believers. (13:14-27) Jesus positively identified the sign of the coming end ("all these things" 13:4) with the abomination of Desolation standing in the temple in accordance with Scripture {Daniel 9:17; 11:31; 12:11; Matthew 24:15}.

(13:14a) Jesus urges those who see the one who makes an abomination in the temple to flee immediately from Jerusalem and pray for good weather during this difficult time. (13:14b-18) Those in Judea should flee to the mountains beyond the Jordan river of Perea. (13:14b) No one should try to salvage anything from their private lives but should flee. (13:15-16) It will be a difficult time for those will children. (13:17) Pray that it does not come in winter. (13:18)

Daniel 9:17 Now therefore, O our God, hear the prayer of thy servant, and his

supplications, and cause thy face to shine upon thy sanctuary that is desolate, for

the Lord's sake.

Daniel 11:31 And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary

of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the

abomination that maketh desolate.

Daniel 12:11 And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the

abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and

ninety days.

Matrhew 24:15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken

of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him

understand:)

The reason one should immediately flee is because this tribulation will be the most severe of all times in human history. (13:19-20) These days will be a time of greater tribulation than has ever or will ever exist. (13:19) The tribulation will be so great that 89

it would destroy all life {7/8 th’s of the world’s population will be killed} if the Lord had not shortened those days. (13:20) Jesus exhorts His disciples to not be deceived by false Messiahs whom others point to with miraculous ability because when He (the Son of Man) returns it will be in full vision resulting in the gathering of all the elect by His angels. (13:21-27)

Exhortation: During the time of the tribulation do not believe those who come along and point to one as Messiah. (13:21 Jesus gives two reasons for not being deceived.

(13:22-27)

Reason One: The reason one should not be deceived is because Jesus is telling in advance that false Messiahs and prophets will arise who will show convincing signs.

(13:22-23)

Reason Two: During the time of cataclysmic chaos (Isaiah 13:10; 34:4) Messiah (the Son of Man; Daniel 7:13) will come in full vision of all to gather His elect (resurrected OT saints and NT believers including those of the tribulation. cf. Daniel 12:2; Revelation 6:9-11) from all over the world. (13:24-27)

Isaiah 13:10 For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give

their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not

cause her light to shine.

Isaiah 34:4 And all the host of heaven shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be

rolled together as a scroll: and all their host shall fall down, as the leaf falleth off

from the vine, and as a falling fig from the fig tree.

Daniel 12:2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some

to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.

Revelation 6:9 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the

souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they

held:

Revelation 6:10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy

and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the

earth?

Revelation 6:11 And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was

said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their

fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should

be fulfilled.

The Fig Tree Parable: Answers and explains the first question— “When?” Even though the above signs (13:3-27) will tell those who are watching that the Lord's return is near, Jesus affirms that no one knows when the "Day of the Lord" will commence 90

(because of the rapture), and thus the disciples and all believers should be watching for it as faithful servants. (13:28-31)

Just as one can tell that summer is near from the new growth and leaves on a fig tree, so will one be able to tell that the Lord's return is near when one sees the (above) things (tau'ta) take place. (13:28-29)

Jesus’ reference to “this generation” (with the near/far view equaling the disciples/future generation) will not pass away until all these things (tau'ta pavnta; cf.

13:4) certainly take place according to Jesus' certain word. (13:28-31) The Day and Hour Unknown. (13:32-37)

Verse 32 probably does not refer to Jesus' return to earth, but the initiation of the entire process beginning with the pretribulation rapture (Jesus does not directly discuss this at this point because the "Church" [a necessary prerequisite] is not yet established); the logic is as follows: "Day" in 13:32 probably refers to the "Day of the Lord". The Day of the Lord is a broad concept including the tribulation, the Second Coming, and the Millennium (cf. Isaiah 2:12-22; Jeremiah 30:7-9; Joel 2:28-32; Amos 9:11; Zephaniah 3:11-20; Zechariah 12--14). The Day of the Lord will begin suddenly and unexpectedly (1 Thessalonians 5:2), and thus, logically, be preceded by the rapture (1

Thessalonians 4:13-18; Revelation 3:10); therefore, only the Father knows when this moment (the rapture) will begin.

The exact time of these things is known only by the Father will bring them into effect.

(13:32) Jesus urges His disciples and all people to be faithfully watching for the Lord's return (cf. Luke 19:11-27) lest He return as the master of a house {1 Thessalonians 5}

and find his servants spiritually asleep and negligent. They are to watch and be on the alert for they do not know when the time is going to be. (13:33) Jesus likens the alertness of the disciples to that of a doorkeeper who is commanded to watch while his master is away. (13:34) Jesus urges the disciples to watch like the doorkeeper because they do not know when the master is coming, and they do not want Him to find them sleeping when He comes. (13:35-36) Jesus' admonition to be on the alert is not only to the disciples, but to all. (13:37)

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Chapter Fourteen

The Culmination of the Suffering Servant’s Ministry: Death and Resurrection.

(14:1–16:8)

The Preparation for Death (Passion). During a time when the religious leaders were seeking to secretly abduct and kill Jesus, He prepared His disciples for His upcoming passion by honoring the woman who anointed Him for his upcoming death, by keeping the meeting place for the Passover meal secret so that Judas could not betray Him too soon (before He trained the other Eleven), by teaching them of the significance of His death, by demonstrating to them the place of prayer during deeply troubling times, and by being arrested alone in fulfillment of Scriptures and His words to the Twelve.

(14:1-52)

The Anointing at Bethany. (14:1-11)

Mark 14:1 After two days was the feast of the passover, and of unleavened bread:

and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take him by craft, and

put him to death.

Mark 14:2 But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar of the people.

Mark 14:3 And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat,

there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very

precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head.

Mark 14:4 And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said,

Why was this waste of the ointment made?

Mark 14:5 For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and

have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her.

Mark 14:6 And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a

good work on me.

Mark 14:7 For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do

them good: but me ye have not always.

Mark 14:8 She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body

to the burying.

Mark 14:9 Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached

throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a

memorial of her.

Mark 14:10 And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests, to

betray him unto them.

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Mark 14:11 And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him

money. And he sought how he might conveniently betray him.

Anointing of Jesus by a Woman. (14:1-5)

Setting: The feasts of Passover and Unleavened Bread were two days off and the religious leaders were looking for a way to secretly abduct and kill Jesus, but they were afraid to do so during the festival because the people might riot. (14:1-2) While Jesus was dinning in Bethany at the home of Simon the leper a woman (Mary, John 12:3) anointed His head with very costly perfume. (14:3) Some of those present severely rebuked the woman for her extravagant use of such a commodity (worth three hundred days wages) which might have been used to help the poor. (14:4-5) Prediction of her Memorial by Jesus. (14:6-9)

Jesus corrected the woman's critics affirming her beautiful work as an expression of love for Him while He was with them. (14:6-7) The anointing was a prediction for His future burial which will be spoken of wherever the gospel goes in the whole world.

(14:81-9)

Agreement to Betrayal by Judas. (14:10-11)

When Jesus received the woman's deed of honor of anointing Him at the home of Simon the leper in Bethany, Judas decided to turn Him in to the chief priests. (14:10) The response by Judas brought gladness to the chief priests for his help and they offered money, whereupon, Judas begin to seek out an opportune time to betray Jesus.

(14:11)

The Last Passover. (14:12-26)

Mark 14:12 And the first day of unleavened bread, when they killed the passover, his disciples said unto him, Where wilt thou that we go and prepare that thou mayest eat the passover?

Mark 14:13 And he sendeth forth two of his disciples, and saith unto them, Go ye into the city, and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water: follow him.

Mark 14:14 And wheresoever he shall go in, say ye to the goodman of the house, The Master saith, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?

Mark 14:15 And he will shew you a large upper room furnished and prepared: there make ready for us.

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Mark 14:16 And his disciples went forth, and came into the city, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover.

Mark 14:17 And in the evening he cometh with the twelve.

Mark 14:18 And as they sat and did eat, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, One of you which eateth with me shall betray me.

Mark 14:19 And they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, Is it I?

and another said, Is it I?

Mark 14:20 And he answered and said unto them, It is one of the twelve, that dippeth with me in the dish.

Mark 14:21 The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born.

Mark 14:22 And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body.

Mark 14:23 And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it.

Mark 14:24 And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many.

Mark 14:25 Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God.

Mark 14:26 And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.

Setting: On the first day of Passover when the Passover Lamb was being sacrificed (Thursday, Nisan 14), Jesus' disciples asked Him where He wanted them to go to prepare for the Passover. (14:12)

Jesus told two of His disciples in a cryptic way (due to Judas, 14:10-11) where the room was to be for the Passover. Jesus responded by saying: (14:13-15) 1)

Go into the city (14:13a)

2)

Follow a man carrying a pitcher of water (14:13b)

3)

Wherever he enters ask the owner of the house, “Where is My guest room in which I may eat the Passover with My disciples?” (14:14) The disciples found all of the preparations to be just as He told them, and they began to prepare for the Passover. (14:15-16)

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At the Passover meal.

The announcement of betrayal.

Setting: When it was evening (on Thursday Nisan 14) Jesus came to the upper room with the Twelve. (14:17) As they were eating, Jesus announced that one of the Twelve who was eating with them would betray Him. (14:18) They were grieved at Jesus'

announcement and said one by one that it was not them. (14:19) Jesus again affirms that one who was eating with them would betray Him just as Scripture had written (Psalm 22; Isaiah 53; 2 Samuel 16:15--17:23; 1 Chronicles 27:33; Psalm 69:20-25) but a terrible destiny awaits the one who betrays Him. (14:20-21)

Psalm 22:1 To the chief Musician upon Aijeleth Shahar, A Psalm of David. My

God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and

from the words of my roaring?

Psalm 22:2 O my God, I cry in the daytime, but thou hearest not; and in the night

season, and am not silent.

Psalm 22:3 But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.

Psalm 22:4 Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, and thou didst deliver them.

Psalm 22:5 They cried unto thee, and were delivered: they trusted in thee, and were

not confounded.

Psalm 22:6 But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the

people.

Psalm 22:7 All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake

the head, saying,

Psalm 22:8 He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him,

seeing he delighted in him.

Psalm 22:9 But thou art he that took me out of the womb: thou didst make me hope

when I was upon my mother's breasts.

Psalm 22:10 I was cast upon thee from the womb: thou art my God from my

mother's belly.

Psalm 22:11 Be not far from me; for trouble is near; for there is none to help.

Psalm 22:12 Many bulls have compassed me: strong bulls of Bashan have beset me

round.

Psalm 22:13 They gaped upon me with their mouths, as a ravening and a roaring

lion.

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Psalm 22:14 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart

is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels.

Psalm 22:15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my

jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death.

Psalm 22:16 For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have

inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.

Psalm 22:17 I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me.

Psalm 22:18 They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.

Psalm 22:19 But be not thou far from me, O LORD: O my strength, haste thee to

help me.

Psalm 22:20 Deliver my soul from the sword; my darling from the power of the dog.

Psalm 22:21 Save me from the lion's mouth: for thou hast heard me from the horns

of the unicorns.

Psalm 22:22 I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the

congregation will I praise thee.

Psalm 22:23 Ye that fear the LORD, praise him; all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify

him; and fear him, all ye the seed of Israel.

Psalm 22:24 For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted;

neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard.

Psalm 22:25 My praise shall be of thee in the great congregation: I will pay my

vows before them that fear him.

Psalm 22:26 The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the LORD that

seek him: your heart shall live for ever.

Psalm 22:27 All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD:

and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.

Psalm 22:28 For the kingdom is the LORD'S: and he is the governor among the

nations.

Psalm 22:29 All they that be fat upon earth shall eat and worship: all they that go

down to the dust shall bow before him: and none can keep alive his own soul.

Psalm 22:30 A seed shall serve him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a

generation.

Psalm 22:31 They shall come, and shall declare his righteousness unto a people

that shall be born, that he hath done this.

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Isaiah 53:1 Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD

revealed?

Isaiah 53:2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of

a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is

no beauty that we should desire him.

Isaiah 53:3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted

with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we

esteemed him not.

Isaiah 53:4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did

esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

Isaiah 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our

iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are

healed.

Isaiah 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own

way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Isaiah 53:7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth:

he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb,

so he openeth not his mouth.

Isaiah 53:8 He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare

his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression

of my people was he stricken.

Isaiah 53:9 And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death;

because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.

Isaiah 53:10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when

thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong

his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.

Isaiah 53:11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his

knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.

Isaiah 53:12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide

the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he

was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made

intercession for the transgressors.

2Samuel 16:15 And Absalom, and all the people the men of Israel, came to

Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with him.

2Samuel 16:16 And it came to pass, when Hushai the Archite, David's friend, was

come unto Absalom, that Hushai said unto Absalom, God save the king, God save

the king.

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2Samuel 16:17 And Absalom said to Hushai, Is this thy kindness to thy friend? why

wentest thou not with thy friend?

2Samuel 16:18 And Hushai said unto Absalom, Nay; but whom the LORD, and this

people, and all the men of Israel, choose, his will I be, and with him will I abide.

2Samuel 16:19 And again, whom should I serve? should I not serve in the presence

of his son? as I have served in thy father's presence, so will I be in thy presence.

2Samuel 16:20 Then said Absalom to Ahithophel, Give counsel among you what

we shall do.

2Samuel 16:21 And Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Go in unto thy father's

concubines, which he hath left to keep the house; and all Israel shall hear that thou

art abhorred of thy father: then shall the hands of all that are with thee be strong.

2Samuel 16:22 So they spread Absalom a tent upon the top of the house; and

Absalom went in unto his father's concubines in the sight of all Israel.

2Samuel 16:23 And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counselled in those days,

was as if a man had enquired at the oracle of God: so was all the counsel of

Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom.

2Samuel 17:1 Moreover Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Let me now choose out

twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night:

2Samuel 17:2 And I will come upon him while he is weary and weak handed, and

will make him afraid: and all the people that are with him shall flee; and I will smite

the king only:

2Samuel 17:3 And I will bring back all the people unto thee: the man whom thou

seekest is as if all returned: so all the people shall be in peace.

2Samuel 17:4 And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel.

2Samuel 17:5 Then said Absalom, Call now Hushai the Archite also, and let us

hear likewise what he saith.

2Samuel 17:6 And when Hushai was come to Absalom, Absalom spake unto him,

saying, Ahithophel hath spoken after this manner: shall we do after his saying? if

not; speak thou.

2Samuel 17:7 And Hushai said unto Absalom, The counsel that Ahithophel hath

given is not good at this time.

2Samuel 17:8 For, said Hushai, thou knowest thy father and his men, that they be

mighty men, and they be chafed in their minds, as a bear robbed of her whelps in

the field: and thy father is a man of war, and will not lodge with the people.

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2Samuel 17:9 Behold, he is hid now in some pit, or in some other place: and it will

come to pass, when some of them be overthrown at the first, that whosoever heareth

it will say, There is a slaughter among the people that follow Absalom.

2Samuel 17:10 And he also that is valiant, whose heart is as the heart of a lion,

shall utterly melt: for all Israel knoweth that thy father is a mighty man, and they

which be with him are valiant men.

2Samuel 17:11 Therefore I counsel that all Israel be generally gathered unto thee,

from Dan even to Beersheba, as the sand that is by the sea for multitude; and that

thou go to battle in thine own person.

2Samuel 17:12 So shall we come upon him in some place where he shall be found,

and we will light upon him as the dew falleth on the ground: and of him and of all

the men that are with him there shall not be left so much as one.

2Samuel 17:13 Moreover, if he be gotten into a city, then shall all Israel bring ropes

to that city, and we will draw it into the river, until there be not one small stone found

there.

2Samuel 17:14 And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, The counsel of Hushai

the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel. For the LORD had appointed

to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the LORD might bring

evil upon Absalom.

2Samuel 17:15 Then said Hushai unto Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, Thus and

thus did Ahithophel counsel Absalom and the elders of Israel; and thus and thus

have I counselled.

2Samuel 17:16 Now therefore send quickly, and tell David, saying, Lodge not this

night in the plains of the wilderness, but speedily pass over; lest the king be

swallowed up, and all the people that are with him.

2Samuel 17:17 Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz stayed by Enrogel; for they might not

be seen to come into the city: and a wench went and told them; and they went and

told king David.

2Samuel 17:18 Nevertheless a lad saw them, and told Absalom: but they went both

of them away quickly, and came to a man's house in Bahurim, which had a well in

his court; whither they went down.

2Samuel 17:19 And the woman took and spread a covering over the well's mouth,

and spread ground corn thereon; and the thing was not known.

2Samuel 17:20 And when Absalom's servants came to the woman to the house, they

said, Where is Ahimaaz and Jonathan? And the woman said unto them, They be

gone over the brook of water. And when they had sought and could not find them,

they returned to Jerusalem.

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2Samuel 17:21 And it came to pass, after they were departed, that they came up out

of the well, and went and told king David, and said unto David, Arise, and pass

quickly over the water: for thus hath Ahithophel counselled against you.

2Samuel 17:22 Then David arose, and all the people that were with him, and they

passed over Jordan: by the morning light there lacked not one of them that was not

gone over Jordan.

2Samuel 17:23 And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he

saddled his ass, and arose, and gat him home to his house, to his city, and put his

household in order, and hanged himself, and died, and was buried in the sepulchre

of his father.

1Chronicles 27:33 And Ahithophel was the king's counsellor: and Hushai the

Archite was the king's companion:

Psalm 69:20 Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I

looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found

none.

Psalm 69:21 They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me

vinegar to drink.

Psalm 69:22 Let their table become a snare before them: and that which should

have been for their welfare, let it become a trap.

Psalm 69:23 Let their eyes be darkened, that they see not; and make their loins

continually to shake.

Psalm 69:24 Pour out thine indignation upon them, and let thy wrathful anger take

hold of them.

Psalm 69:25 Let their habitation be desolate; and let none dwell in their tents.

Institution of the Lord’s Supper. (14:22-26) When they were eating Jesus took bread, blessed it, gave it to the disciples and told them to take it in anticipation of his body being broken and as a remembrance for future generations. (14:22) Jesus also took the cup, gave thanks, gave it to His disciples and they all drank from it as He proclaimed it to represent His sacrificial life (blood) which inaugurates the (New) covenant to be shed instead of many. (14:23-24) Jesus proclaimed that he would certainly not anymore (emphatic) partake of this supper with the disciples until the future time when He would drink it in a new kind of way in the Kingdom. (14:25) After singing a hymn (probably from Psalms 113-118 which is a prophecy of Jesus singing in the church) Jesus and the disciples went out to the Mount of Olives. (14:26) The Prediction of Peter’s Denials. (14:27-31)

Mark 14:27 And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this

night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.

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Mark 14:28 But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee.

Mark 14:29 But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I.

Mrk 14:30 And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in

this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice.

Mrk 14:31 But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not

deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all.

Jesus foretold that when He was taken, the disciples would all flee in accordance with Scripture (Zechariah 13:7), but that He would rise and go before them into Galilee.

(14:27-28) Peter responded by affirming his loyalty above all others because He would not eave Jesus even if all others did. (14:29) Jesus then predicted that Peter would in fact deny Jesus three times before a cock crowed twice. (14:30) Peter kept insisting (along with the others) that he would never deny Jesus even if it cost him his life.

(14:31)

Zechariah 13:7 Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is

my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be

scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones.

Gethsemane. (14:32-42)

Mark 14:32 And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith

to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray.

Mark 14:33 And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be

sore amazed, and to be very heavy;

Mark 14:34 And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry

ye here, and watch.

Mark 14:35 And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that,

if it were possible, the hour might pass from him.

Mark 14:36 And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away

this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.

Mark 14:37 And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter,

Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour?

Mark 14:38 Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is

ready, but the flesh is weak.

Mark 14:39 And again he went away, and prayed, and spake the same words.

Mark 14:40 And when he returned, he found them asleep again, (for their eyes were

heavy,) neither wist they what to answer him.

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Mark 14:41 And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and

take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed

into the hands of sinners.

Mark 14:42 Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand.

Setting: Jesus and the disciples came to Gethsemane and He commanded them to sit there until He had prayed. (14:32) Taking Peter, James, and John along with Him, Jesus showed them his agony and then exhorted them to remain where they were while He went on by Himself and wrestled with the Father about the path which He must walk. (14:33-36)

Upon the return of Jesus from prayer, He found them (Peter, James, and John) asleep, and He rebuked Simon (his old name) for not even watching with Jesus for one hour, thus exhorting them all to watch and pray in order that they might not fall into temptation since the spirit is willing, but their flesh is weak. (14:37-38) Jesus went again and prayed to the Father, only to return and find the disciples sleepy.

Jesus again went to pray, whereupon He returned and woke them from their rest and told them that they were now going to be thrust into the physical struggle as Jesus was now going to be betrayed. (14:39-42)

The Arrest of Jesus. (14:43-52)

Mark 14:43 And immediately, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve,

and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and

the scribes and the elders.

Mark 14:44 And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever

I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely.

Mark 14:45 And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith,

Master, master; and kissed him.

Mark 14:46 And they laid their hands on him, and took him.

Mark 14:47 And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the

high priest, and cut off his ear.

Mark 14:48 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Are ye come out, as against a

thief, with swords and with staves to take me?

Mark 14:49 I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took me not: but the

scriptures must be fulfilled.

Mark 14:50 And they all forsook him, and fled.

Mark 14:51 And there followed him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast

about his naked body; and the young men laid hold on him:

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Mark 14:52 And he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked.

As soon as Jesus had spoken to His disciples, Judas arrived with Roman and Temple guards, identified Jesus with a kiss, and the guards seized Him. (14:43-46) One of those among Jesus' disciples (Peter, cf. Jn. 18:10) resisted the arrest by striking the slave of the high priest with a sword knife and cut off his ear. (14:47) Jesus then questioned the procedure of those arresting Him since they did not dare approach Him while He was among the people each day, and then proclaimed that their arrest had fulfilled the Scriptures {Isaiah 53:3, 7-9, 12}. (14:48-49)

Isaiah 53:3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted

with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we

esteemed him not.

Isaiah 53:7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth:

he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb,

so he openeth not his mouth.

Isaiah 53:8 He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare

his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression

of my people was he stricken.

Isaiah 53:9 And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death;

because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.

Isaiah 53:12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide

the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he

was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made

intercession for the transgressors.

When Jesus made it clear that He would not resist His arrest, the disciples' loyalty to Him and confidence in Him collapsed, and they deserted Him just as Scripture said that they would. (14:50) Jesus was completely forsaken as not only the Twelve deserted Jesus, but also as a young man (possibly Mark) fled naked from Jesus when he was seized for following Him. (14:51-52)

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Chapter Fifteen

The Death of Jesus. (14:53–15:47)

Mark 14:53 And they led Jesus away to the high priest: and with him were

assembled all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes.

Mark 14:54 And Peter followed him afar off, even into the palace of the high priest:

and he sat with the servants, and warmed himself at the fire.

Mark 14:55 And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against

Jesus to put him to death; and found none.

Mark 14:56 For many bare false witness against him, but their witness agreed not

together.

Mark 14:57 And there arose certain, and bare false witness against him, saying,

Mark 14:58 We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands,

and within three days I will build another made without hands.

Mark 14:59 But neither so did their witness agree together.

Mark 14:60 And the high priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus, saying,

Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?

Mark 14:61 But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest

asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?

Mark 14:62 And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the

right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.

Mark 14:63 Then the high priest rent his clothes, and saith, What need we any

further witnesses?

Mark 14:64 Ye have heard the blasphemy: what think ye? And they all condemned

him to be guilty of death.

Mark 14:65 And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet

him, and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the servants did strike him with the palms

of their hands.

Mark 14:66 And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there cometh one of the maids

of the high priest:

Mark 14:67 And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked upon him, and

said, And thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth.

Mark 14:68 But he denied, saying, I know not, neither understand I what thou

sayest. And he went out into the porch; and the cock crew.

104

Mark 14:69 And a maid saw him again, and began to say to them that stood by,

This is one of them.

Mark 14:70 And he denied it again. And a little after, they that stood by said again

to Peter, Surely thou art one of them: for thou art a Galilaean, and thy speech

agreeth thereto.

Mark 14:71 But he began to curse and to swear, saying, I know not this man of

whom ye speak.

Mark 14:72 And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word

that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And

when he thought thereon, he wept.

Mark 15:1 And straightway in the morning the chief priests held a consultation

with the elders and scribes and the whole council, and bound Jesus, and carried him

away, and delivered him to Pilate.

Mark 15:2 And Pilate asked him, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answering

said unto him, Thou sayest it.

Mark 15:3 And the chief priests accused him of many things: but he answered

nothing.

Mark 15:4 And Pilate asked him again, saying, Answerest thou nothing? behold

how many things they witness against thee.

Mark 15:5 But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marvelled.

Mark 15:6 Now at that feast he released unto them one prisoner, whomsoever they

desired.

Mark 15:7 And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that

had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection.

Mark 15:8 And the multitude crying aloud began to desire him to do as he had ever

done unto them.

Mark 15:9 But Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the

King of the Jews?

Mark 15:10 For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy.

Mark 15:11 But the chief priests moved the people, that he should rather release

Barabbas unto them.

Mark 15:12 And Pilate answered and said again unto them, What will ye then that

I shall do unto him whom ye call the King of the Jews?

Mark 15:13 And they cried out again, Crucify him.

105

Mark 15:14 Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? And they

cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him.

Mark 15:15 And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto

them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified.

Mark 15:16 And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Praetorium; and

they call together the whole band.

Mark 15:17 And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and

put it about his head,

Mark 15:18 And began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews!

Mark 15:19 And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him,

and bowing their knees worshipped him.

Mark 15:20 And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him,

and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him.

Mark 15:21 And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of

the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross.

Mark 15:22 And they bring him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being

interpreted, The place of a skull.

Mark 15:23 And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but he received

it not.

Mark 15:24 And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting

lots upon them, what every man should take.

Mark 15:25 And it was the third hour, and they crucified him.

Mark 15:26 And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING

OF THE JEWS.

Mark 15:27 And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and

the other on his left.

Mark 15:28 And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with

the transgressors.

Mark 15:29 And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying,

Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days,

Mark 15:30 Save thyself, and come down from the cross.

Mark 15:31 Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the

scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save.

106

Mark 15:32 Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may

see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him.

Mark 15:33 And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole

land until the ninth hour.

Mark 15:34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi,

lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou

forsaken me?

Mark 15:35 And some of them that stood by, when they heard it, said, Behold, he

calleth Elias.

Mark 15:36 And one ran and filled a spunge full of vinegar, and put it on a reed,

and gave him to drink, saying, Let alone; let us see whether Elias will come to take

him down.

Mark 15:37 And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost.

Mark 15:38 And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.

Mark 15:39 And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so

cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.

Mark 15:40 There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary

Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome;

Mark 15:41 (Who also, when he was in Galilee, followed him, and ministered unto

him;) and many other women which came up with him unto Jerusalem.

Mark 15:42 And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that

is, the day before the sabbath,

Mark 15:43 Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited

for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body

of Jesus.

Mark 15:44 And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the

centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead.

Mark 15:45 And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph.

Mark 15:46 And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the

linen, and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone

unto the door of the sepulchre.

Mark 15:47 And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where he

was laid.

The Trials of Jesus. (14:53–15:15)

107

The Trial of Jesus Before the Sanhedrin. While Peter lied (in fulfillment of Jesus'

words) during his inquisition about his knowledge of Jesus, Jesus told the truth before the Sanhedrin and Pilate, and was unjustly condemned, scourged, and handed over to be crucified (14:53-65)

Setting: Literarily, Jesus and Peter are compared (for the later comparisons of their questionings) as Jesus is led to the Sanhedrin, and Peter follows behind to watch from the court of the high priest. (14:53-54) Jesus was led away to the Sanhedrin to face the chief priests, elders, and scribes who were gathered that evening. (14:53) Peter followed Jesus at a distance into the court of the high priests where he sat with the officers and warmed himself at the fire. (14:54)

Death Sentence Testimony: (14:55-59) The Sanhedrin kept trying to obtain testimony against Jesus to put him to death, but were unsuccessful because many were giving inconsistent, false testimony against Him. (14:55-56) Some gave false testimony that Jesus was against the temple (He would destroy it, and build another in three days), but they were not consistent. (14:57-59)

Even though Jesus would not respond to the false accusations, He did affirm that He was Messiah and the coming judge, whereupon He was condemned to death, and physically abused by many of those present. (14:60-65)

Question: The high priest asked Jesus if he did not have an answer to those who were testifying against Him. (14:60)

No Reply: Jesus kept silent and made no answer (Isaiah 53:7). (14:61a)

Isaiah 53:7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth:

he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb,

so he openeth not his mouth.

Question: The high priest then asked Jesus if He was the Messiah (Christ) the Son of God. (14:61c)

Reply: Jesus proclaimed that He was Messiah and He also offered proof of His affirmation when He said that they (the human judges) would see Him coming as Judge from heaven (the Son of Man) at the right hand of God (Power) (cf. Psalm 110:1; Daniel 7:13). (14:62)

Psalm 110:1 A Psalm of David. The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right

hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.

Daniel 7:13 I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came

with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him

near before him.

108

Response by the Sanhedrin. (14:63-65) When the Sanhedrin heard Jesus' affirmation of Messiahship, they considered Jesus' words to be blasphemy whereas the high priest tore his clothes (Numbers 14:6) and the council responded by condemning Him to death. (14:63-64) Jesus was then physically abused as the people, including the officers, spat at Him, mocked Him, and beat Him. (14:63-65)

Numbers 14:6 And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which

were of them that searched the land, rent their clothes:

The Trial of Peter Before His Inquisitors and His Subsequent Denial of Jesus.

(14:66-72)

Setting: As Peter was in the courtyard of the high priest, one of the high priest's servant-girls came and saw Peter warming himself by the fire. (14:66-67a) Question: The servant-girl accused Peter of also being with Jesus the Nazarene.

(14:67b)

Peter’s Reply: Peter denied that he was with Jesus and affirmed that he neither knew nor understood what she was talking about (14:68a). then he went out into the porch and the cock crew the first time (14:68b).

Question: When the servant-girl again saw Peter, she again began to identify Him as one of those who was with Jesus. (14:69)

No Reply: Although Peter's words are not given, the narrator tells the readers that He was again denying her charge. (14:70a)

Question: After a little while the bystanders also began to identify Peter as one of those with Jesus because He was clearly from Galilee (due to his dialect; cf. Matthew 26:73). (14:70b)

Matthew 26:73 And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to

Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee.

Peter’s Response: Peter responded by cursing and swearing while he said that he did not even know the man about whom they were talking. (14:71) The call to remembrance and a response of sorrow. (14:72) Immediately following Peter’s third denial, the cock crowed a second time. (14:72a) Peter remembered Jesus'

prediction that he would deny Him three times before the cock crowed twice (cf.

14:30). (14:72b) Peter began to weep. (14:72c)

The Trial of Jesus Before Pilate. (15:1-15)

109

Setting: Early in the morning the Sanhedrin held a council and led Jesus bound to Pilate. (15:1)

Question: Pilate asked Jesus if He was the King of the Jews. (15:2a) Reply: Jesus told Pilate in a cryptic way that what he had said was so (suv levgei",

"you say", "the designation is yours). (15:2b) Question: As the chief priests began to harshly accuse Jesus, Pilate asked Him if he was not going to defend Himself. (15:3-4) The chief priests began to harshly accuse Jesus. (15:3) Pilate asked Jesus if he did not have an answer to all of the charges the chief priests were bringing against Him. (15:4)

No Reply: Once again (cf. 14:61) Jesus did not answer their charges and Pilate was amazed. (15:5)

Response by Pilate and the accusers of Jesus. (15:6-16) Setting: During the time when Pilate usually released a prisoner for the Jews as part of the Passover feast. (15:6-8) Pilate used to release one prisoner for the Jews at the feast of the Passover. (15:6)

Barabbas was one who was imprisoned as an insurrectionist when a murder had been committed during an insurrection. (15:7) The multitude came to Pilate and began to request that he set a prisoner free as was his custom. (15:8) Death Sentence Given: Even though Pilate did not know of any reason why Jesus should be crucified, he graciously released Barabbas and then scourged and delivered over Jesus to be crucified because of the cry of the people who were influenced by the chief priests. (15:9-15)

Knowing that the chief priests had delivered Jesus up to him because they were envious of Him, Pilate asked the people if they wanted him to release "The King of the Jews" (Jesus). (15:9-10) The chief priests stirred up the crowd to ask for the release of Barabbas rather than Jesus. (15:11) Pilate then asked the multitude about what he should do then with the one called the "King of the Jews" (Jesus). (15:12) The people shouted back that Pilate should crucify Him. (15:13) Even when Pilate asked the people to identify the evil which Jesus had done, they continued to shout out that he should crucify Him. (15:14) Wishing to satisfy the people, Pilate delivered Barabbas over to them, and had Jesus scourged and delivered to be crucified. (15:15) The Crucifixion of Jesus. (15:16-41)

The Mocking of the Soldiers. (15:16-20)

110

In the Praetorium: When Jesus was delivered over to be crucified (15:15), the soldiers took Jesus into the palace (the Praetorium) and called the Roman cohort (600?) together. (15:16) The soldiers severely mocked Jesus by dressing Him in a royal color (purple), putting a woven crown of thorns on His head, hailing Him as "King of the Jews", beating Him, and then kneeling and bowing before Him. (15:17-19) The Actual Crucifixion of Jesus. (15:21-24)

Golgotha: After the soldiers had mocked Jesus, they put His clothes back on and led Him out to crucify Him. (15:20) Jesus was in such a weakened state that as they were going to Golgotha, they pressed Simon of Cyrene (of North Africa, father of Alexander and Rufus, cf. Romans 16:13) into service to bear Jesus' cross and brought Jesus to Golgotha (Place of the Skull). (15:21-22) Unwilling to take that which would deaden the pain of His crucifixion (suffering for all of mankind) Jesus was crucified and His garments were divided up among the soldiers who cast lots for them (Psalms 22:18).

(15:23-24)

Romans 16:13 Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.

Psalm 22:18 They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.

The Final Hours: From 9:00 A.M. until evening. (15:25-36) The Third Hour: When Jesus was crucified at 9:00 A.M. with the inscription of the charge above Him “THE KING OF THE JEWS” He fulfilled the Scriptures by being crucified and separated from God as the Davidite thereby providing access for men into the presence of God. (15:25-26)

In fulfillment of the scripture from Isaiah 53:12, Jesus was numbered with transgressors as He was crucified with two robbers, one on either side. (15:27-28)

Isaiah 53:12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide

the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he

was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made

intercession for the transgressors.

Jesus was mocked by many at his crucifixion {Ps. 22:8). (15:29-32)

Psalm 22:8 He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him,

seeing he delighted in him.

Jesus was mocked by the passers-by who jeered that if He could destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, He could surely save Himself. (15:29-30) 111

Jesus was mocked by the chief priests and the scribes who jeered that He should save Himself as the Christ so that they might see and believe. (15:31-32a) Jesus was mocked by those being crucified along with Him. (15:32b) From the sixth to ninth hours (12:00 to 3:00 P.M.) darkness fell over the whole land (symbolic of separation). (15:33) At the ninth hour (3:00 P.M.), Jesus cried out with the words of David expressing His separation from God (My God, My God, Why have You forsaken Me? cf. Psalm 22:1). (15:34)

Psalm 22:1 To the chief Musician upon Aijeleth Shahar, A Psalm of David. My

God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and

from the words of my roaring?

Some bystanders (deliberately) misinterpreted Jesus words (Eloi, Eloi) as a call to Elijah to deliver Him, so they gave Him a drink in hopes of preserving His life a little longer to see if He would be delivered by Elijah. (15:35-36) The Death of Jesus. (15:37-41) Jesus uttered a loud cry (indicating that He was fully conscious) and died. (15:37)

Responses to the death of Jesus. (15:38-39) When Jesus gave up His physical life, the veil of the temple was torn in two (by God) from top to bottom indicating that access was now available for all to come into the presence of God through the superior sacrifice of Jesus. (15:38)

A Roman soldier (the centurion in charge of the execution squad) saw Jesus' last breath, he proclaimed that Jesus was the Son of God (a divine man--God) despite the mocking that had gone on and he experienced that access as He proclaimed Jesus as the Son of God at His death. (15:39)

There were several women from Galilee who looked on from a distance at the cross as faithful witnesses of Jesus' crucifixion (Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger, Salome, as well as other Galilean women). (15:40-41) The Burial of Jesus. (15:42-47) Because it was the evening (between 3:00 P.M. and sunset) before the sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Sanhedrin, and one waiting for the Kingdom of God (a devout Pharisee who regarded Jesus as Messiah, though secretly, cf. John. 19:38), courageously went to Pilate to request the body of Jesus. (15:42-43)

John 19:38 And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but

secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of

Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus.

112

Although surprised that Jesus was already dead, Pilate granted His body to Joseph after he learned of His death from the centurion in charge of the execution. (15:44-45)

Joseph took Jesus down from the cross, quickly prepared Jesus' body for burial with a linen cloth, laid Him in his own tomb which had been hewn out of rock, and rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. (15:46) Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of Joses intently witnessed to the burial of Jesus. (15:47)

113

Chapter Sixteen

The Resurrection of Jesus. (16:1-8)

Mark 16:1 And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother

of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint

him.

Mark 16:2 And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto

the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.

Mark 16:3 And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from

the door of the sepulchre?

Mark 16:4 And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it

was very great.

Mark 16:5 And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the

right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.

Mark 16:6 And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth,

which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid

him.

Mark 16:7 But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you

into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.

Mark 16:8 And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they

trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were

afraid.

The Empty Tomb. (16:1-5)

Setting: When the sabbath was over, three women (Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome) came very early on the first day of the week to the tomb to anoint Jesus' body with spices, but they wondered who would roll away the stone before its entrance for them. (16:1-3) When the women looked up, they saw that the large stone had been rolled away. (16:4) When the women entered the tomb, they saw a young man (angel), wearing a white robe, and sitting to the right (of where the body of Jesus would have been), and they were alarmed. (16:5) The Angel's Announcement. (16:6-7) The man told the woman to not be alarmed because even though this is the place where the crucified Jesus was laid, He is not here because He was raised (by God). (16:6) The man then told the women to go tell the disciples and especially Peter that Jesus is going before them into Galilee where they will see Him just as He said to them (14:28). (16:7)

114

The Open Ending. (16:8) The women went out of the tomb, and ran, saying nothing to anyone for they were afraid. (16:8)

The Longer Ending. (16:9-20)

Mark 16:9 Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared

first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.

Mark 16:10 And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned

and wept.

Mark 16:11 And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of

her, believed not.

Mark 16:12 After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they

walked, and went into the country.

Mark 16:13 And they went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them.

Mark 16:14 Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and

upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not

them which had seen him after he was risen.

Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel

to every creature.

Mark 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth

not shall be damned.

Mark 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they

cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

Mark 16:18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall

not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

Mark 16:19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into

heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.

Mark 16:20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with

them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

The Appearances. (16:9-14)

Appearance To Mary Magdalene: After Jesus had risen He first appeared to Mary Magdalene for whom He had provided great deliverance from demons. (16:9) 115

The Witness: Mary went and told those in their mourning who had been with Jesus (the disciples) about His resurrection and appearance to her. (16:10) They refused to believe the report. (16:11)

Appearance To Two in the Country: After Jesus' appearance to Mary, He appeared, in a different form, to two who walking along in the country (cf. Luke 24). (16:12) The Witness: The two went and reported to the others (the disciples) Jesus'

appearance to them. They did not believe them either. (16:13) Appearance To The Eleven: After Jesus’ appearance to the two, He appeared to the eleven disciples while they were eating, and Jesus reproached them for their unbelief and hardness of heart because they did not believe those who had witnessed to them.

(16:14)

The Commission To The Disciples As A Church To Witness: (16:15-18) Jesus exhorted the disciples to go into all of the world and to proclaim the good news (cf.

1:1) to all people. (16:15) Jesus explains the importance of belief and baptism with special emphasis upon belief and how the absence of that belief will bring condemnation (in the day of the final judgment, cf. 9:43-48). (16:16) Jesus proclaimed that miraculous signs would follow those who had believed in Jesus as authenticating evidence of the message (cf. 2 Corinthians 12:12; Hebrews 2:3-4): they will cast out demons, speak with new tongues, pick up serpents and not be hurt by poison (Acts 28:3-5), heal the sick (Acts 28:8). (16:17-18)

2Corinthians 12:12 Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all

patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.

Hebrews 2:3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the

first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard

him;

Hebrews 2:4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with

divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?

Acts 28:3 And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire,

there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.

Acts 28:4 And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they

said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath

escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.

Acts 28:5 And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.

116

Acts 28:8 And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a

bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and

healed him.

The Ascension: When the Lord completed His commission of the disciples, He ascended to heaven. (16:19-20) After having ascended up to heaven, He was received, and He sat down at the right hand of God the Father (Psalm 110). (16:19)

Psalm 110:1 A Psalm of David. The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right

hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.

Psalm 110:2 The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in

the midst of thine enemies.

Psalm 110:3 Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of

holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth.

Psalm 110:4 The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever

after the order of Melchizedek.

Psalm 110:5 The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his

wrath.

Psalm 110:6 He shall judge among the heathen, he shall fill the places with the

dead bodies; he shall wound the heads over many countries.

Psalm 110:7 He shall drink of the brook in the way: therefore shall he lift up the

head.

Then the disciples committed themselves to the proclamation of the good news everywhere with the confirming work of the Lord through miraculous signs. (16:20)

117

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